Criminal Investigation Division

The Criminal Investigation Division is responsible for investigating major crimes and serious misdemeanor cases. The Criminal Investigation Division specializes in crimes such as drug offenses, sex crimes and crimes against children, robbery, arson, initial fingerprint analysis, death investigations and narcotic investigations.

The CID office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. There is a voice-mail system so that you may leave a message after hours or if you need immediate assistance please contact our communications center at 540-347-3300.

Child Abuse

“Child abuse and neglect is the intentional, physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of any child under the age of eighteen by a person who is responsible for the child’s welfare under circumstances which indicate the child’s health or welfare is harmed or threatened.”

The following is guideline to help parents recognize child abuse and neglect.
There are many indicators of child abuse. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of:

Emotional Abuse occurs when a parent or caretaker allows or creates a negative emotional atmosphere for a child by exposing them to:
- Demeaning remarks - Perceived or actual threats of harm
- Unrealistic parental expectations - Illegal behaviors taught to a child

Sexual Abuse happens when a child is exploited for the sexual gratification of an adult or older child. Indicators include:
• Involvement of a child in sexual activity
• Knowledge of sexual behavior inappropriate for the child’s age
• Contact for sexual purposes such as fondling
• Involvement or exposure to prostitution and/or pornography

Neglect occurs when a parent or caretaker allows the child to experience avoidable suffering or fails to provide basic essentials for physical, social, and emotional development. Indicators of neglect include:
• Lack of basic food and clothing
• Inappropriate child hygiene
• Lack of education as required by law
• Lack of medical treatment or medication for a serious illness
• Residing in an inappropriate/dangerous living environment

Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is a growing problem which occurs in a variety of ways, over a broad spectrum of circumstances. Abuse can be by a caregiver or any person that causes harm to a defenseless adult. Abuse can involve physical harm, financial exploitation, emotional or verbal abuse, neglect (including self-neglect), sexual abuse and abandonment. All forms of abuse are devastating and often occur in isolation making it difficult to identify the need for help. Dementia such as Alzheimer's disease and other factors often make it difficult for an older person to ask for help.

• Neglect - Failure of a caregiver to provide health care, food, shelter, or protection to a defenseless adult.
• Exploitation – Unfair treatment or the illegal taking, or misuse of funds or property or assets of a defenseless adult.
• Abandonment –Leaving a defenseless adult unattended, by a caregiver or any person that is responsible for the care or custody of the person.
• Emotional Abuse – To cause distress, mental anguish, and pain to an elderly person through verbal or nonverbal acts.
• Physical Abuse – To cause or threaten to cause injury of physical pain or injury to a defenseless adult, or depriving them of basic needs.
• Sexual Abuse – Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.

Who should I contact if I suspect elder abuse?
Elder abuse requires a community response; each of us has a responsibility to keep defenseless elders safe from harm.

If someone you know is in immediate, life threatening danger contact the Sheriff’s Office at 540-347-3300, or dial 911 immediately.

For further information about elder abuse please visit the following websites.

Arson

Arson is defined in Virginia Code Section 18.2-77 as “if any person maliciously burns in whole or in part or causes to be burned or aids in the process of burning any dwelling house or any building where people dwell or a building where people can occupy is a felony”.

Arson investigations are a joint effort between the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and the Fauquier County Fire Marshal’s Office.

All fires are investigated to determine the cause of the fire.

Arson Prevention Tips:

• Keep leaves, firewood, overgrown brush and shrubbery and other combustibles away from buildings.
• Keep doors and windows locked when a building is unoccupied. Board up abandoned buildings. Do not use double cylinder deadbolt locks, bars without quick release mechanisms, or other security provisions that could trap a person in a building with a deadly fire.
• Store all flammable liquids such as paints, gasoline, and mowers in an approved storage container and location, locked storage units, and garages, (prevent access to children). Also, keep away from heat sources such as furnaces and heaters.
• Report suspicious activity near houses or other buildings to local police and support neighborhood watch programs.
• If you suspect a child is setting fires, notify the Office of Emergency Services at 540-347-6995.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Keep your property well lit at night especially if it is an out building or barn with animals.
• If you are out of town have a neighbor keep a watch on your property.
• If you know or suspect that an arson crime has been committed, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 540-422-8800 or the Fauquier Criminal Investigation Division of the Sheriff’s Office at 540-422-8650.

Bad Checks

Bad Checks-Checks that are specified for immediate payment for, merchandise, services, goods and other things of value which are returned by the bank due to the account being closed, insufficient funds or insufficient credit. The Virginia statute that governs Bad Checks is VA Code18.2-181, 18.2-181.1, and 18.2-183.

In order to proceed with criminal prosecution the following is required:

• The check must be written for services and goods delivered in Fauquier County.
• The company or person that accepted the check must send a certified letter with return receipt requested to the person that signed the check demanding full payment within (5) five days of receipt of the certified letter.
• If payment is not received you will need the original check with the bank’s notation as why payment was declined, and the (5) day demand of payment letter in order for the Sheriff’s Office to file a report.Civil Remedies:

Some bad check issues do not require criminal prosecution, listed below are issues considered civil in nature. For civil remedies contact or visit the General
District Court.
• Checks received through the mail
• Post dated checks
• Two-party checks
• Payment of a debt partial or full
• Stop payment on a check were there is no intent to defraud
• Checks signed by someone other that the account holder
• Checks written for rent

Construction Fraud

The Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office investigated numerous complaints of construction fraud within the past year. Construction fraud is governed by VA
Code §18.2-200.1,

Construction Fraud- A person obtains money “up front” and promises to perform construction work or repair and:
1. Has false intentions not to perform the work promised.
2. Fails to follow through on the work promised.
3. Fails to perform the work or return the monies within the fifteen days of the request of the certified mail return receipt requested.

If your identity has been stolen the following are the steps that you will need to:

1. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (see the list below) fraud departments and have them place a fraud alert on you credit file. Once you contact one of the credit bureaus they will alert the other two credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your file. You will receive free of charge your credit report from all three major credit bureaus.

1. Do not give out any information about your account over the phone.
2. Do not let anyone borrow your credit card.
3. Be sure all your cards are signed.
4. Destroy old credit cards.
5. Check your credit card bill every month to determine if the charges on it are yours.
6. Keep a record of your card numbers in a safe location either in your home or in a safe deposit box. This will assist the Sheriff’s Office in the event your card or card number has been stolen and used.
7. Do not include your Social Security number on your checks.
8. Only allow a contractor to perform work on your home or business after obtaining a signed contract outlining all work to be performed and the start and finish date.

Death Investigations

The Fauquier County Sheriffs Office is tasked with the duty of investigating all deaths that occur within its jurisdiction that are violent, accidental or of a suspicious nature.

Some examples of the types of deaths this agency may investigate include:

Drug/Narcotic Information

The Narcotics Division is responsible for investigating the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics in Fauquier County. They assist the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney to prepare successful narcotics cases for prosecution. They further prepare narcotics related civil forfeiture cases involving profits derived from the illegal distribution of narcotics. The Sheriff’s Office C.I.D. Narcotics Division actively works with Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies in the course of their duties.

Drug Tip Line
If you would like to submit anonymous information regarding the illegal possession or distribution of narcotics contact 540-422-8650 during normal business hours, after hours contact 540-347-3300.
You are not required to provide your name, address, or telephone number. All information is kept strictly confidential.

Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting is available at the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office 78 West Lee Street, Warrenton, VA., in the Criminal Investigations Division located on the 3rd floor. Fingerprinting services are available Monday-Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm. It is required that you present proper identification (a valid driver’s license or some form of picture identification). This service is offered by the Sheriff’s Office at a fee of $10 for the first card and $5 for each card thereafter. Payment can only be made by cash (exact change only), check, or money order. Payment can be made to the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office. Federal regulations do not permit us to fingerprint any persons for immigration purposes, if you require fingerprinting for immigration purposes you will need to contact DOJ: U.S. Department of Justice Home Page or call 202-514-2000.

Robbery Prevention

• Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Criminals count on you being preoccupied with shopping, banking or getting in or out of your vehicle instead of paying attention to them. Take a moment to observe who is in the parking area or close to the building before you exit your car.
• If the area is dark, you can’t see if someone is hiding behind shrubbery, trees or other obstructions. At home, install additional exterior lighting and keep shrubbery at windowsill level and trees trimmed to prevent hiding places.
• Avoid walking in wooded or isolated areas, alleys, and dark, poorly lit areas.
• If the area is unfamiliar to you, consider walking with a friend or traveling by car. If approached by a stranger, maintain a safe distance.
• If you think you are being followed, cross the street, walk quickly or run to a busy store, restaurant, gas station or lighted house.
• If a car is following you, turn and run in the opposite direction. If you suspect that you are being followed while driving, don’t drive home! Go to the nearest police station, fire station, or business. Blow your horn to draw attention to your vehicle while driving up to the location.

Burglary Prevention at Home

• Do not allow strangers into your home, even if they are hurt or say they need help, keep the door locked and call police for them.
• Do not advertise that you live alone.
• Don’t be afraid to call the police to investigate suspicious circumstances, unusual people or strange noises.
• When you move into a new home, change the locks.
• Keep your curtains or shades closed at night.
• Don’t leave notes on your door announcing when you will be home.
• Keep outdoor lights on at night.
• Never give information to unknown caller. Report nuisance calls to the police and the telephone company.
• Keep your doors and windows locked. If it is warm and you leave your door open for circulation, keep the screen door locked.
• If you arrive home and your door is open or things appear to be out of place, don’t go in your home, leave and call the police.
• Write down license numbers of suspicious vehicles to give to the police, if necessary.

Robbery Prevention on the Road

• Keep your car in gear, doors locked, windows rolled up.
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially at intersections and stop lights.
• Park in areas that will be well lit when you return.
• There is safety in numbers! Walk with friends or in a group.
• If you are being followed, don’t drive home or get out. Drive to the nearest police station, open store or business for help. Try to note the license number and description of the car and persons following you.
• If you are out at night, don’t wear expensive or fancy looking jewelry.
• If someone tries to get in your car while you are stopped- drive away quickly.
• Don’t use ATM machines at night. Plan ahead and get your cash during safer times. Use ATM machines that are very visible, avoid isolated ATM machines.
• Walk in open, well lit areas.
• Avoid carrying a purse, if you can.

Sex Crimes

There are approximately 49 registered sex offenders residing in Fauquier County. You can view them at Virginia
State Police. The Criminal Investigations Division investigates felony sex abuse cases and works closely with The Department of Social Services (DSS). For information on child protective services and how to make an anonymous complaint regarding an abused child visit Virginia
Department of Social Services or contact The Department of Social Services (DSS) at 540-422-8400.